News from Scotland

POLICE have released an e-fit image of a man they are searching for following the assault of an Argyll teenager last month.

Police say the man may able to assist with their investigation into the assault of a 14-year-old girl, which took place at 1am on January 14 2012 in Croabh Brae area of Tighnabruaich.

The seniors of Oban Express Primary Football roared back into action on Sunday morning, January 29 2012, at Oban Community Pitch after last weeek’s cancellations, playing 18 games on three pitches in only three hours.

For the full report see The Oban Times, February 2 2012 or on line at www.obantimes.co.uk/digital

SOROBA residents, both homeowners and tenants, have united to reject Argyll Community Housing Association’s (ACHA) existing proposals to repair the scheme’s crumbling roughcasting.

ACHA want private homeowners in the area to contribute between £18,200 and £18,800 on average to its £1.1million roughcasting repair scheme, with many of the walls in the scheme deteriorating on . . . → Read More: Soroba’s roughcast bill ‘unrealistic’

The Oban Times has asked fuel stations across the West Highlands what prices they are charging for petrol and diesel and has found large differences across the area, even between stations on the mainland – significantly between Fort William and Oban where there is between five pence and seven pence of a difference.

But . . . → Read More: Future fuel prices? No, this is today

Jill Bowis, Councillor Louise Glen-Lee, Katrina Morrison and Councillor Elaine Robertson

Ardchattan Community Council is calling for people to lobby Argyll and Bute Council after learning that a number of bus services to Bonawe and Benderloch are under threat of being cut.

A petition has been set up and a vociferous social network and . . . → Read More: Campaign launched to save Bonawe buses

STOPPING the spread of Japanese knotweed in Fort William will be the focus of discussions at Lochaber councillors’ business meeting on February 13.

Stands of the alien invader have taken root along the Achintore shore, behind the primary school and in areas of Lundavra, leading Fort William Community Council (FWCC) to expess concern to Highland . . . → Read More: Fort councillors’ focus on Japanese knotweed

DESPITE only taking the game up two years ago, Taynuilt lad Harry Mobey is showing he has a future in badminton after clinching three county medals.

The 11-year-old Taynuilt Primary School pupil was the sole representative from Oban and Lorn to travel to Campbeltown for the Argyll and Bute Schools Badminton Championships, which attracted more . . . → Read More: Taynuilt’s Harry takes three badminton medals

HE MAY have been badly wounded in combat – only to recover and save the day – but he has never been sliced up like this.

SCOTS have been warned a substantial increase in financial powers for Holyrood is not an option if Scotland wants to remain within the United Kingdom.

A COALITION of leading charities, faith groups and trade unions has written to Scottish MPs urging them to vote to uphold a series of amendments to welfare reform legislation agreed last week by the House of Lords.

A SCOTTISH nurse who risked her life to treat patients from both sides of the Libyan conflict has won the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2012.

ONE in four children are spending as much as 12 hours a day sitting in front of a screen watching TV, playing video games or using Facebook.

THE new headquarters of Scotland’s national force will be at Tulliallan Castle after justice secretary Kenny MacAskill ruled out police officers’ preferred venues in Edinburgh or Glasgow.

HIS dark brand of humour has generated acclaim and outrage in almost equal measure. But now Channel 4 has parted company with controversial Scots comic Frankie Boyle.

SALES of game foods such as venison, pheasant and partridge have soared with supermarkets, televisions chefs and top Scottish restaurants placing them at the top of their menus.

ISLANDERS on Colonsay are preparing to host Scotland’s most remote literary festival in one of the country’s most intimate communities.

A SCOTTISH initiative to give businesses and customers a universal guide to who’s green and who’s not has been approved by all five UK tourism agencies.

A GP who ran from John o’Groats to the Sahara Desert has been recruited by the Scottish Government to promote the benefits of being active.

FOOTBALL fans attending a cup match at Glasgow’s Hampden Park were used yesterday to test security arrangements for the forthcoming 2012 Olympics.

THE SNP is facing pressure over its handling of the housing budget and the length of waiting lists for rented accommodation, amid accusations the party “backtracked” on a manifesto pledge.